Q Topic: Merchandising Strategies In this module/week, you will learn how to measure merchandise inventory in order to determine how to maintain stock levels and how to forecast sales by product category. Within each product category, variety and assortment stock levels need to be managed in order to produce the optimum inventory turnover, and methods for managing these will be described. The concept of national brands vs. store brands will be explained. You will also learn how to negotiate with vendors for favorable terms and conditions in their strategic relationship with the retailer. For this Discussion Board Forum, choose no more than 2 of the following questions to discuss in your thread: 1. How and why would you expect variety and assortment to differ between JCPenney’s store and their Internet channel? 2. Variety, assortment, and product availability are the cornerstones of the merchandise planning process. Provide examples of retailers that have done an outstanding job in positioning their stores on the basis of 1 or more of these issues. Provide examples of retailers that have done a poor job in positioning their stores on the basis of 1 or more of these issues. 3. As the athletic shoe buyer for Sports Authority, how would you go about forecasting sales for a new Nike running shoe? 4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of manufacturer’s (national) brands versus store brands? Consider both from the retailer’s and customer’s perspectives.